Authors:
Foteini Grivokostopoulou
;
Isidoros Perikos
and
Ioannis Hatzilygeroudis
Affiliation:
University of Patras, Greece
Keyword(s):
Educational Game, Gabe-based Learning, Search Algorithms, Algorithm Visualization, Pacman, Game Learning Efficiency.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Computer-Supported Education
;
e-Learning
;
e-Learning in Engineering Education
;
Game-Based and Simulation-Based Learning
;
Learning/Teaching Methodologies and Assessment
Abstract:
Search algorithms constitute an important topic in the Artificial Intelligence curriculum and are acknowledged by most tutors to be a hard and complex domain for teachers to teach and students to deeply understand. In this paper, we present an educational computer game, designed to teach search algorithms, based on the popular Pacman game. The purpose of the educational Pacman game is to assist students to understand the artificial intelligence topic of search algorithms in an entertaining, interactive and motivating way. During their experience with the game, students can examine the behaviour of various search algorithms and a graphical annotated depiction of them through suitable visualizations. Visualizations can demonstrate the operational functionality of algorithms and are designed in line with the principles of student’s active learning. Various learning activities were designed and request students to apply specific search algorithms in various example cases with or without
the assistance and feedback of the game. An evaluation study was conducted in real classroom conditions and revealed quite satisfactory results. The results indicate that the educational Pacman game is an effective way to enhance students’ engagement and help them to deeper understand the AI search algorithms.
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